BI-MODAL LINEAR AND LOOP ABLATION CATHETER, AND METHOD

摘要

Medical devices, systems, and methods for treating patients with tissue ablation include catheter systems having hi-modal steering mechanisms, which are capable of both linear and loop ablation. In other words, the catheter system may have two different steering modes: two-dimensional and three-dimensional. In the first and second steering modes, the steering actuator may cause one or more portions of the catheter shaft to bend in different planes. A steerable ablation catheter may include treatment elements such as electrodes at its distal end and along the catheter shaft, each of which may map, pace, and ablate. Optional features include a series of thermocouples for monitoring local temperatures.

主权项

1. A method of medical treatment, the method comprising:
providing a medical device including a catheter body, at least one steering actuator, and a plurality of treatment elements; directing the plurality of treatment elements toward a tissue region; selecting one of a first steering mode and a second steering mode:
in the first steering mode, manipulating the at least one steering actuator in a first direction from an initial position to cause a first portion of the catheter body to bend from an initial shape to a first arc shape along a first plane;in the second steering mode, manipulating the at least one steering actuator in a second direction from the initial position to cause the first portion to bend from the initial shape to a second arc shape, and to cause a second portion of the catheter body to bend along a second plane; and activating the plurality of treatment elements.